NHS Greater Manchester has launched its ambitious Green Plan 2025–28, setting out how it will cut carbon emissions and build a climate-ready NHS that protects both people and the planet.
The plan comes as climate change continues to impact health across the region, from worsening asthma to heat-related illness, with the most vulnerable communities hit hardest. The strategy supports Greater Manchester’s Five-Year Environment Plan and the city region’s goal of reaching net zero by 2038.
The Green Plan has three core goals, which are:
- Net zero by 2038 for NHS-controlled emissions
- LED lighting, insulation, and renewable energy (e.g. heat pumps, solar panels)
- Net zero by 2045 for emissions the NHS can influence
- Greener procurement, reusable products, and supplier carbon reduction
- A climate-ready NHS that supports nature, cuts pollution, and promotes health
Since 2019, the NHS in Greater Manchester has already reduced its carbon footprint by 25,000 tonnes – equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road for a year.
NHS Greater Manchester’s Sustainability Clinical Lead (Primary Care), Dr Francis Collett-White, said:
“Greater Manchester is improving respiratory care by making sure patients use their inhalers in the most effective way, by using low carbon inhalers and supporting self-management. We're also working with TfGM to promote sustainable travel to reduce air pollution and with the GMCA to improve vulnerable people’s poorly insulated homes. We can all live in a healthier, cleaner, greener and fairer city but it takes strong consistent action from everyone.”
The next phase will be to expand virtual care to reduce travel, promote active and public transport for staff and patients, and to cut emissions from NHS estates. Alongside this, there will be focus on reducing medicines waste, promoting low-carbon alternatives , and creating greener NHS spaces to support wellbeing and biodiversity
The plan has been championed by Mayor Andy Burnham and builds on Greater Manchester’s leadership as the first integrated care system to declare a climate emergency.
Image credit: iStock
